Kim Min-jae vs Axel Disasi: Stats provide clear winner for Manchester United transfer dilemma

Strikers, as has always been the case, continue to dominate the headlines.

Whether they score a last-minute winner, sell more shirts or earn the most cash, stardom has always followed attackers more than defenders. Manchester United’s transfer rumours do little to dispel that truth.

While talk has centred around potential moves for Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen et al, all roads point towards a new centre-back arriving at Old Trafford as well. Reports have linked the Red Devils to two defenders: Kim Min-jae and Axel Disasi.

The former, believed to have a £45million buyout clause, has emerged as a standout performer for Napoli this season. Min-jae helped Napoli clinch their first Serie A title in over 30 years and made former dominating defender Kalidou Koulibaly a distant memory for the Gli Azzurri faithful.

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Disasi, on the other hand, is a rare highlight in an otherwise underwhelming campaign for Monaco. The Frenchman started every Ligue 1 game as his side finished sixth - missing out on a European place while heightening talk about a potential move.

Should Harry Maguire head for the Old Trafford exit then United will almost certainly be on the hunt for a new defender. But who should they sign? If the statistics provide any indication, there should only be one winner…

On the goalscoring front, Disasi comes out on top - albeit marginally - with three goals slightly edging out Min-jae’s total (two). However, Ten Hag will not be signing any of these as a number nine - and the South Korean dominates the defensive figures.

Napoli conceded just 24 goals in 35 games with Min-jae in the team throughout 2022-23, a total that provided the backbone of their Serie A league-winning